This week's Offbeat Traveler is inspired by Los Angeles Times reader Gene Minick, who recently visited the remote monasteries of Metéora in Greece's Thessaly region. The Fountain Valley resident called this UNESCO World Heritage Site one of the most impressive places he saw in Greece. The six monasteries of Metéora are perched on rock pinnacles (in Greek, "Metéora" means "suspended in the air"), some built as high as 1,800 feet. The monasteries date as far back as the 14th century, when monastic living was embraced by the surrounding region. Though six remain, 24 were originally built. -- Jason La